Manta Rail are providers of mobile tunnel ventilation and air monitoring systems. We provide fans, powered respirators and offer a continuous air monitoring service during engineering works. All of our ventilation systems are individually designed to BS6164:2001 and to meet the requirements of EH40. Our managers have been on a ROSPA accredited Behavioural Safety course and we are looking at implementing behaviour safety as a core part of our Health and Safety Management System.
Fans
PROVIDERS OF MOBILE TUNNEL VENTILATION AND AIR MONITORING SYSTEMS
With engineering works being implemented within a confined space such as a tunnel environment, there is a requirement to provide a ventilation system to BS 6164:2001 and to meet the requirements of EH 40.
SOLUTION
We at Manta Rail services offer the solution to this problem with our unique tunnel ventilation fans. These are known as the Mega Fan ventilation units.
Mega Fan VENTILATION UNIT
The Mega Fan ventilation units are completely hand built by Manta Rail at our manufacturing plant. These are belt driven diesel powered ventilation fans. They have a 800 litre bunded fuel tank which gives a continuous running time of 100 hours. This is adequate for most weekend possessions. For any longer possessions we have bunded fuel tanks which we take to site. The fans are powered by a 6 cylinder, air cooled Deutz underground mining engine. At 1,600 RPM they produce an airflow of 300,000 cubic meters of air per hour. With the compact size for the output our fans can be placed so as not to interfere with the works in progress. Each fan is fitted with a fire extinguisher for safety reasons. Our tunnel fans remove the requirement for high voltage electrical supply, (imported risk) and because they are self-contained manoeuvrability around the worksite is a simple operation.
DIMENSIONS
Height 2310 mm, Width 1670mm, Length 2250mm
The weight of the Mega fan unit when full up with fuel is 2,500 Kg.
Thunderbird Innovation
This is the ultimate ventilation system for any tunnel. This system was designed by us in 2012 to enable a Network Rail project to be carried out at Clay Cross Tunnel. The Thunderbird is the tracked carrier frame to which a Mega Fan unit is fitted.
It is secured with brackets on the four securing points once the fan is lowered onto locating lugs. Together the units become very nimble and highly manoeuvrable. The fan can be positioned much closer to the activity which is creating the dust or fumes and therefore deliver faster and more effective extraction.
Mega Fan TUNNEL FAN
The Mega Fan tunnel fan is mounted onto a 360 degree rotating turntable on the Thunderbird machine. This allows the ventilation system to work with the natural airflow in the tunnel. With the static fan units we previously had the problem of the natural airflow changing direction during the works. This then results in the natural air blowing one way and the forced air from the fan blowing the other way, the dust and fumes meeting in the middle of the tunnel with nowhere to go. The works would often have to be stopped while a RRV lifting machine would have to attend to turning the fans around. Often in the tunnel this was not possible for considerable time as there would be a train on the line.
With the line blocked it made a greater risk of an evacuation (a serious delay in the works). The rotating table has a locking pin to lock the rotator in a fixed position for travelling. The Thunderbird tracked machine has rubber tracks and with track ramps, the crossing of rail is easily achieved with no damage. The width of the track frame is the same as the four foot gauge of the rail. To travel down the railway track the machine can travel on top of the rail head.
This prevents damage to the track by not travelling over important cables for S & C locations (ATWS and switches etc). There are two lifting eyes on the chassis behind the cab for recovery of the Thunderbird should an incident arise.
The total operating weight with the fan mounted is 6500 Kg with full fuel tanks.
DIMENSIONS
Width 2000 mm, Length 3850 mm, Height 3520 mm
Powered Respirators
We also supply 3M Versaflo powered respirators if required.
A small amount of these were purchased for persons with a history of chest complaints working in a tunnel. Since introduced their popularity has risen tremendously. With people more aware of the dangers of breathing in harmful dust during tunnel works the powered respirator is now worn by anyone and everyone on site. These include – Machine Controllers, Trackmen and Surveyors
3M Versaflo UNITS
A fan in the unit draws air through a pre filter and then pushes the air through the main filter. The clean air is then blown up the tube into the helmet. The air is blown down the front of the face which is then inhaled. The visor is sealed to the face with the comfort face seal that hooks under the operator’s chin stopping the clean air from being contaminated. There is no face fit required as it is a positive pressure. In dusty conditions the powered respirator offers greater protection for the eyes. The 3m Versaflo units are very simple to use for anyone involved working in the tunnel. There are two types of battery, one lasts 8 hours the other lasts 12 hours. Our powered respirators are all individually numbered. They are issued on site by Manta Rail Staff via our Welfare Van –
This is a self-contained unit which has its own generator for charging batteries and carrying out cleaning and sanitising of the respirators. It also contains welfare facilities for other staff eg hot water, microwave, facilities for washing hands etc.
Air Quality Monitoring
VENTILATION SYSTEMS
Our ventilation systems are very individual to each and every job we do. To give us a better insight we arrange a site walkout with the client.
From this we can learn the objective of the works, find out the job dates and times, identify any hazards or obstructions that may influence our choice of ventilation system etc. This walkout can be and is most often repeated at a later date to make sure there are no new additional factors. From this we design an appropriate ventilation plan and calculations. We establish the level of engine emissions using BS6164 to determine the total engine horsepower. We then calculate the minimum airflow rate required to maintain a safe work place. We put forward our proposed ventilation system to the project engineer and supervisors to make sure our system does not interfere with their works.We then attend a whiteboard meeting with other suppliers and people involved in the project to make sure everyone is happy and knows what is going on.
WORKSITE MONITORING
During the works a member of Manta Rail staff will continue to walk the worksite monitoring the air using a four way air monitor. These are the latest Crowcon Gaspro instruments which are calibrated by Crowcon every six months.
The monitor has a data logging facility which will measure and record Combustible gases, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Oxygen. All of the above will be recorded & documentation produced in tabulated format, so that charts and graphs can be produced to identify trends that can be linked to the site diary for future reference.
Transport & Logistics
We run our own lorries to provide a better service to our clients. As stated earlier most equipment is set up during the possession usually within minutes. Getting the right lorry to the right place at the right time is crucial for us and we are in control this way. With a greater emphasis on carbon footprint we try to select the most suitable lorry for the amount of equipment needed.
